MBABANE – Another chance for a deregistered Manzini Wanderers player to prove himself, while veteran defender Mandla Palma is linked with a reunion.
Mayibongwe ‘Mgadzanga’ Sacolo is close to a fresh start at Manzini Wanderers after being sidelined by the team mid-season in the last campaign.
The versatile player was allegedly among six players who were deregistered during the second transfer window and sat out the entire second half of the season as the maroon and white outfit fought relegation.
According to well-placed sources, ‘Mgadzanga’ is back in the fold and training with the squad as they prepare for the new season. At the end of the 2025/26 MTN Premier League season, then Coach Nyanga ‘Crooks’ Hlophe pointed at six unnamed players who were allegedly deregistered for the second-half campaign and not given their clearance.
The veteran coach believed those players could have helped the side avoid relegation. ‘Crooks’ himself was not in charge when this happened after registering them at the start of last season.
He was replaced by Gcina Dlamini in November, only for Dlamini to be shown the door later. Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini then took the hot seat for just three games in February before ‘Crooks’ returned.
Sources close to player said Sacolo, who hails from Mahlangatsha, was among those left out in the cold. Wanderers had loaded their squad with experience in January in a desperate bid to beat the drop, but the gamble failed.
“He is back at Wanderers training with the team as they have decided to recall him. They had made a mistake to sideline him as he is a quality player who would have helped them remain competitive,” a well-placed source within the club said.
The 24-year-old has already featured in midweek friendlies and is expected to be part of the side that will today play another friendly match with an unnamed team.
Last season he wore the number 12 jersey and operated mainly as a right-back, though he was also used further forward at times.
Other reports have also linked seasoned defender Mandla Palma with a return to the maroon and white outfit. Sources claimed the former Mbabane Swallows veteran defender had put pen to paper, but when contacted yesterday Palma said: “I didn’t sign anywhere.”
However, ‘Weslians’ Communications Manager Sandile ‘Ntofo’ Dlamini refused to be drawn for comments on the reports. He said a pool of players is currently being assessed by the technical team and a full list will be released once the coaches have made their final call.
The club recently announced the return of midfielder Reagan Kangumbu, while the technical bench now features Musa ‘Scandza’ Manyatsi alongside ‘Crooks’.
On another note, all eyes now turn to Saturday’s Premier League of Eswatini annual general meeting (AGM), where Wanderers’ bid to keep their top-flight status is expected to get formalisation by the assembly. After being relegated, they acquired MulaSport National First Division (NFD) champions Red Rhinos status.
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